The Senate today voted overwhelmingly to override President Bush's veto of a popular $23-billion water bill, marking the first override of a Bush veto.

The bipartisan, 79-14 vote, following a House vote earlier in the week to override the veto, means the bill authorizing water projects becomes law over the president's objections.

Thirty-four Republicans joined 43 Democrats and two independents in rejecting Bush's assertion that the bill was fiscally irresponsible and voting for the override --- a reflection of their determination to preserve politically important projects for their states. Twelve Republicans and two Democrats voted no.

My colleague Trish at Pensito Review suggested earlier this week that this veto override could signal a change in the wind for Bush's political fortunes:

I’m betting that once it gets started, Congress will keep right on ripping... I think Bush miscalculated. He’s teasing the dog that’s always been tied to the tree one too many times. When the rope breaks and Congress gets a taste of blood --- remembering what it feels like to be an equal participant in the governing process --- who knows where it will stop?